Pirates Don’t Sign Mark Appel

“After much thought, prayer & analysis of both opportunities, I came to the conclusion the best decision is to remain at Stanford continuing my studies, finishing my degree & doing all I can to assist the Cardinal baseball team in our goal to win nat. championship”

UPDATE 5:13 PM: Neal Huntington issued a statement via press release:

“We were unable to reach an agreement with first round selection Mark Appel and bring him into our already strong organization.

“Our final offer exceeded the available bonus pool money and was essentially up to the last dollar we could offer prior to falling into the second tier penalty which would have resulted in the loss of a first round draft selection. While, as we have shown in past years, we are willing to be aggressive with our financial offer, we simply did not feel it was in the best interest of the organization to forfeit our first round selection in the 2013 amateur draft.

“Selecting Mark was a calculated risk, as we knew he would be a difficult sign. As an organization, we need to continue to take these types of calculated risks. While we would’ve preferred to add Mark to the group of talented prospects in our system, we wish Mark, and his family, nothing but success in the future.

“We were able to add quality talent and depth from this year’s draft. We look forward to having the ninth selection in the 2013 draft as compensation for the non-signing of Mark, in addition to our conventional pick in the first round and beyond, to continue to further strengthen the talent level within our system.”

I do not understand…he has no leverage next year I hope next year he gets nothing as well…

http://twitter.com/slucas22 SLucas22

““After much thought, prayer & analysis of both opportunities…” Am I the only one glad we didn’t sign the Tebow of Stanford baseball? I don’t say anything about religion, as people are free to do what they want, but it rubs me the wrong way when people throw it in your face constantly

piratemike

“After much thought,prayer & analysis of both opportunities”
Man, he Really threw religon in you’re face didn’t he?
If he signed with the Pirates would you’re focus really be on his religon?

PiratesFan

Oh well. It would’ve been great to sign him, but if he wants to finish college that’s fine with me. Getting a top 10 pick next year is great consolation.

TonyPenaforHOF

Did he really just turn down almost $4 million to play baseball?!?!?! It would be the classy thing to do to wish him luck, but someone that arrogant, foolish or stupid (you pick) doesn’t deserve good luck.

F Lang

I was thinking about this Tim…if 3,4,5 teams after the Bucs would have passed on Appel, do you think he would have gone undrafted in this system? I

Don S

Whatever.

capirate

Appel is a Boras client. The only thing that matters is money. Not sure this decision helps him financially but so be it. He sure is taking a big gamble though.

My hope is that Appel is on the board when the Pirates choose at #9 next year.

http://twitter.com/emohlangis emoh langis

isn’t greed one of the seven deadly sins?

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=72405411 Ian Rothermund

So Boras lost him 5 mil, and he just lost himself another 2 probably. Hello 5 grand next year, a la stallings this year. Lol

http://www.facebook.com/craig.biddle.50 Craig Biddle

Oh well, the Bucs have a shot at having 3 of the top 40 or so picks next year. Frankly, I’d rather have three SS prospects in the organization right now than Appel.

http://twitter.com/jamesmvargo James Vargo

I hope he drops Boras. What use is a High-profile agent to these draftable players now? And a what if he falls to 9 next year? Sign for slot, sucker…

Tim is the owner and editor in chief of Pirates Prospects. He started the site in January 2009, and turned it into his full time job during the 2011 season. Prior to starting Pirates Prospects, Tim worked with AccuScore.com, providing MLB, NHL, and NFL coverage to various national media outlets, including ESPN Insider, USA Today, Yahoo Sports, and the Wall Street Journal. He also writes the annual Prospect Guide, which is sold through the site. Tim lives in Bradenton, where he provides live coverage all year of Spring Training, mini camp, instructs, the Bradenton Marauders, and the GCL Pirates.